To upgrade from Windows 11 Home to Pro, open Settings > System > Activation and expand Upgrade your edition of Windows. If you already have a Pro product key, click Change next to Change product key. If you don’t, click Open Store to buy the upgrade from Microsoft. Either way, Windows switches editions in place, keeps your files and apps, and restarts once or twice. This guide covers both routes, what Pro adds, and what to do if the upgrade fails.
Is Windows 11 Pro worth it?
Most home users don’t need Pro. Upgrade if you need one of these features:
- BitLocker drive encryption with full management options. Many Home PCs have simpler “device encryption” instead. See how to enable BitLocker in Windows 11.
- Remote Desktop host, so you can connect to this PC from another one. See how to set up Remote Desktop on Windows 11.
- Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox for virtual machines and safe testing. See how to enable Hyper-V in Windows 11.
- Group Policy Editor for detailed control over Windows settings.
- Domain join and business management tools for work networks.
Before you upgrade
- Check your current edition under Settings > System > About, next to Edition.
- Back up important files. The upgrade keeps your data, but a backup is good practice before any system change.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account if you’re buying from the Store, so the Pro license is linked to it and reactivates if you reinstall Windows later.
Method 1: Buy the upgrade in the Microsoft Store
- Open Settings > System > Activation.
- Expand Upgrade your edition of Windows.
- Next to the option to upgrade in the Microsoft Store app, click Open Store.
- The Store shows the Windows 11 Pro upgrade with its current price. Click Buy and complete the purchase. In the US it has been $99, but prices vary by country.
- Click Install and follow the prompts. Save your work, because the PC restarts.
Method 2: Enter a Windows 11 Pro product key
Use this if you bought a Pro key from a retailer or your organization gave you one. A Windows 10 Pro key also works.
- Open Settings > System > Activation and expand Upgrade your edition of Windows.
- Next to Change product key, click Change.
- Type the 25-character key and click Next.
- Click Start to begin the upgrade. Windows prepares the new features and restarts.
Afterward, check Settings > System > About. The edition should read Windows 11 Pro, and Activation should say Active.
Avoid cheap or “free” keys
Keys sold for a few dollars on marketplace sites are often volume keys resold against Microsoft’s terms. They may stop working later. Buy from the Microsoft Store or an authorized retailer.
Troubleshooting
“We can’t activate Windows on this device”
Restart and try again after a few minutes, and make sure you’re online. Click Troubleshoot on the Activation page to have Windows check your license.
The product key isn’t accepted
Make sure it’s a Pro key, not a Home or Enterprise key, and check for typos (B vs. 8, O vs. 0). Keys from another PC may already be in use.
The upgrade is stuck
Let it run for at least 30 minutes, then restart. Installing pending updates in Windows Update before trying again often helps.
I upgraded but nothing changed
Pro features aren’t all switched on by default. Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox are optional features you turn on, and BitLocker needs to be enabled. See how to use Windows Sandbox in Windows 11 to set it up.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my files or apps?
No. Upgrading from Home to Pro is an in-place edition change.
Can I go back to Home later?
Not with a button. Returning to Home generally means reinstalling Windows 11 Home and restoring your files.
Can I install Windows 11 Pro from scratch instead?
Yes, with a clean install. See how to install Windows 11 Pro.
Summary
Go to Settings > System > Activation > Upgrade your edition of Windows. Click Open Store to buy Pro, or Change product key to enter one you already own. Your files and apps stay, and Windows restarts as Pro.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.